A Taste of Italy: How to Choose an Italian Wine

Ah, Italy. Not only is the countryside beautiful, but the land also boasts perfect soil for growing grapes. Though Italy is known for its bold bottles of Chianti and Barolo, there are several other red wines worth getting to know. Here ultimate wine educator Kevin Zraly provides the top picks on the market. Want to learn about more wines from around the globe? Check out our guides for Spanish wine, Bordeaux wine, and California wine. For more great tips on how to buy and drink wine, check out our Essential Wine Guide.

Italy's Red Wines

Italy has produced wine for more than 3,000 years. Italian wines are good for any occasion  from quaffing to serious tasting. There are more than 2,000 wine labels, 20 regions, and 96 provinces. But if you want to know the basics of Italian wines, concentrate on three regions: Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto. The major grapes in these areas are Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Corvina, respectively.

Tuscany: Chianti's Home

Chianti wines are made from at least 80 percent Sangiovese grapes. There are three levels of Chianti:Chianti ($): The first level.Chianti Classico ($$): From the inner historic district of Chianti.Chianti Classico Riserva ($$$$): From a Classico area, and must be aged for a minimum of two years, three months.

Other Great Wines from Tuscany

Three of the greatest Italian red wines, all made with the Sangiovese grape, are Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Carmignano. If you purchase Brunello, keep in mind that it probably needs more aging (five to 10 years) before it reaches peak drinkability. Look for these producers:

Piedmont: The Big Reds

Some of the finest red wines are produced in Piedmont. Two of the best are Barolo and Barbaresco. They have the fullest style and a high alcohol content. Be careful when you try to match young vintages of these wines with your dinner; they may overpower the food. Look for these producers of Piedmont wines: Antonio Vallana,
Fontanafredda, Gaja, Pio Cesare, Prunotto, Renato Ratti, Ceretto (pictured), G. Conterno, Robert Voerzio, Domenico Clerico, A. Conterno, M.Chiarlo, B. Giacosa, Marchesi di Gresy, Luciano Sandrone, Paolo Scavino Brogogno, Marchesi di Barolo, Vietti, Marcarini, Sandrone, Conterno Fantina, Produttori d'Barbaresco

Veneto's Best Tastes

Veneto is one of Italy's largest wine-producing regions. You've probably already enjoyed wine from this region, such as Valpolicella, Bardolino, and Soave. All three are very consistent, easy to drink, and ready to be consumed after purchase. The best and most improved of the three is Valpolicella. Look for Valpolicella Superiore made by the ripasso method.

Try Amarone

Amarone is a type of Valpolicella wine made by a special process in the Veneto region. Only the ripest grapes (Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara) from the top of each bunch are used. After picking, they're left to "raisinate" (dry and shrivel) on straw mats. The winemaker ferments most of the sugar, bringing the alcohol content to 14 to 16 percent.